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Network Analysis

University Mathematics I: Olaniyi Evans

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50 views3 pages

Network Analysis

University Mathematics I: Olaniyi Evans

Uploaded by

Olaniyi Evans
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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20

NETWORK ANALYSIS

CONTENTS
Network terminology 178
Network Diagram 179
Critical Path Method 179
Project Scheduling 180
Program Evaluation and Review Technique (PERT) 183
Cost Scheduling 186
Gantt Chart 190
Linear Programming in Project Scheduling 191

Network analysis is used to analyze, control, and monitor complex business


processes and project workflows. Its primary goal is to complete projects
efficiently within the shortest possible timeframe. Network analysis involves
creating a flow diagram to identify task sequences, concurrent tasks, and critical
tasks essential to project success. This visual representation enables project
managers to determine task dependencies and optimize resource allocation.
Network analysis has a rich history, dating back to 1958 when the US Naval
Special Projects Office developed Project Evaluation and Review Technique
(PERT). This innovation led to various network analysis variants, including
Critical Path Method (CPM), Critical Path Analysis (CPA), Critical Path
Scheduling (CPS), and Critical Path Planning (CPP). By applying network
analysis, organizations can improve project planning and control, enhance task
coordination and efficiency, reduce project duration and costs, and increase
visibility into critical tasks and dependencies.

NETWORK TERMINOLOGY
The tasks are referred to as activities. An activity consumes time and resources
and is represented by a single arrow that runs between two events.
An event is the start and/or end of an activity and is represented by a circle
(called a node) and the event number is written within the circle.
NOTE: The main difference between activity and event is that activity represents
the passage of time while event is a point in time.
In this figure, the activity is between event 1 and event 2

A dummy activity is an activity which consumes neither time nor resources


and is only used to ensure adherence to the rules for drawing a network diagram.
It is usually represented by a dotted line. The dummy activity prevents two
different activities from having the same starting and finishing nodes.

A path is a sequence of activities from the start to the end of the network. The
critical path is a sequence of activities which has the longest total duration and
Chapter 20| Network Analysis 179

gives the shortest time possible to complete the project. A critical activity is
any activity on the critical path. If there is any delay in starting or finishing
critical activities, the duration of the project will be prolonged.

NETWORK DIAGRAM
A network diagram is a graphic representation of the tasks and workflow for a
project. It considers the chronological order of events, milestones and tasks, their
durations and dependencies and visualizes them graphically or as a table.
Before starting to draw the network, the following measures should be taken:
• Identify all activities with their durations.
• Establish the logical sequence of the activities [i.e. which activities can be
done one after the other (preceding activities) and which ones can be done
simultaneously].
• Ensure that all activities contribute to the progression of the project.
Otherwise, discard them.
• Ensure that the network diagram has a starting event and a finishing event.

CRITICAL PATH METHOD


Critical path method (CPM) is a step-by-step project management technique to
identify activities on the critical path. The critical path determines the shortest
time possible to complete the project. Delays in any of the critical path activities
will directly impact the project completion time. Non-critical activities have slack
time and do not impact the project duration if delayed within their slack limits.

 EXAMPLE 20.1
The Time Traveler software development project has the following activities:
Activity Preceding Activity Activity Description Duration (Weeks)
A - Formalize specifications 3
B A Design software 7
C A Write tutorials 2
D B,C Format tutorials 2
E B Release prototype 6
F E Release software 5
G D Release tutorials 1
a) Draw the network diagram for the project.
b) Identify all the paths and compute the duration for each path.
c) Determine the critical path and the critical activities.
S O L U T I O N tips
a) Take it step by step. Using the hints for drawing network diagrams given
above, start off with activity A which has no preceding activity(ies), then
follow through with activities B, C, D, E, F and G as they follow A
progressively. Note that the events are numbered from 0, the start event,
through to 6, the finish event. A dummy is necessary between 2 and 3
because no time was expended on the activity. The activities and their
durations are as shown in the diagram:
180 Olaniyi Evans | University Mathematics

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